Youth Justice Programs

Our Youth Justice Programs can be used to support youth who are aged 12 to 17 at the time of their offence who have been charged with a low risk offence within the Frontenac, Lennox and Addington county areas. Following referral by the Crown or Police officer, a youth can be referred to our programs. Our workers, upon meeting with the youth, determine whether or not the youth fits suitability for diversion. Our Extrajudicial Measures and Extrajudicial Sanctions programs funded by the Ministry of Children and Youth Services seek to hold youth accountable for their actions. We also receive referrals to our volunteer facilitated Youth Justice Committee program funded by the Ministry of the Attorney General which seeks to follow a restoration of harm approach and involves persons harmed and victims in discussions about the offence. Our youth justice programs aim to provide rehabilitative and reintegration programs and services to youth in conflict with the law.

Examples of Low risk offences suitable for consideration may include:

Theft under $5000

Possession under $5000

Mischief under $5000

Minor Assaults

Take Motor Vehicle without Consent

Fraud under $5000

Cause Disturbance

Other charges as determined appropriate

Youth Diversion and our Youth Justice Programs strongly believe that early intervention is key to preventing a youth’s further involvement in crime. This program is an opportunity for first time non-violent offenders to seek an understanding of their actions and find another way to repair the harms they committed. Our programs seek to bring together the young offenders, parents, victims, community volunteers and the police to respond to challenges experienced by adolescents.